Digital Infrared – Nikon D50

I posted a new set of images on my Flickr page from a recent family mini vacation up the north shore to Split Rock Lighthouse here in Minnesota. I took my Nikon D50 that was converted to shoot only Infrared since my point and shoot was in the shop for repairs, and boy was that the right choice!

My Nikon D50 was converted by Jim Chen and it has worked perfectly since then. Being able to shoot IRs at ISO200 and f5.6 at 1/400th or so is such a joy. No more tripods and guessing what the composition is, now you see it and shoot it, done.

If my Panasonic DMC-TZ5 had not been in the shop for repairs, I may not have taken the D50 along. Thank goodness I did, cuz I would never have had some much fun when I got back home!

Jim charges $200.00 to convert the D50 and a bit more for some Canon’s but I think if you are serious about shooting IRs, you need to have a camera dedicated.

My setup now is the D50 with a Nikkor 18-35mm lens. Not the top of the line lens, but more than sharp enough. I shoot RAW and process through Bridge and ACR, then into Photoshop and either leave them as black and whites or use the action for creating the false color IR look as you see on these. You can download that action from this website.

Happy IR shooting all!

5 thoughts on “Digital Infrared – Nikon D50

  1. Shawn Knight says:

    Hey Cory, thanks for the linkage and very nice job on those IR pics! Now you have me considering the purchase of a D50 and converting it to IR-only also. Very well done!

  2. cory says:

    No problem. Thanks for putting up the PS action link. I had been looking around for that one and couldn’t remember where I had seen it, then I stumbled upon yours… so thanks right back at you.

    D50’s should be cheap to pick up and after the conversion it is such a joy shooting IRs.

    Good luck and happy shooting.

  3. Ricardo Baez-Duarte says:

    Hello Cory

    I read on your website that you recommend Harrison & Harrison IR Filters. You provide there an email and some phone numbers. I tried the email address but they do not respond. I also tried the phone numbers but there is an automatic answer from the Phone company stating that the number in not active. Is there another way to contact them since I am interested to buy a filter from them?

    Regards and thanks a lot!

    Ricardo

  4. cory says:

    Hi Ricardo,

    The last time I spoke with them it sounded like they were very busy and I am not sure how things are now, but keep trying. There are other IR filter options, like the Hoya R72, that are good as well and easy to find in camera stores or online.

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